A method of transmitting system information in a mobile communications network, the network comprising a base station operable to provide a cell to communicate wirelessly with a plurality of mobile terminals and a mobile terminal of the plurality of mobile terminals, the mobile terminal being operable to communicate with the base station. The method comprises periodically transmitting essential system information “ESI” to the plurality of mobile terminals, the ESI comprising system information for using the cell provided by the base station; transmitting additional system information “ASI” to the mobile terminal, the ASI comprising system information for using one or more services provided by the cell. In the event that it is determined that the base station is overloaded, the method further comprises transmitting a service notification that the cell is currently unable to provide the one or more services.